new

[John Hunt <john.bass@ntlworld.com>]

Hi,

I am new to the list, not a scholar but I do know a bit about dinosaurs.

There have been some interesting, and heated, debates recently.  I think
members should remember that the archives are available for public
viewing and should exercise some discretion.  The internet libel
gravytrain may be stuck in the sidings but it could start rolling yet.

I dont think we should be to hard on those who seek alternative means to
fund their work.  After all, Mary Anning still made a massive
contribution to palaeontology.  Its the unknown we should worry about.

Not being a scholar, I did not completely comprehend all of the
arguments concerning the sprawling microraptors, but the evidence for
the sprawling posture is surely the specimens themselves.  If the
preserved posture could not be achieved in life, then an explanation as
to how articulated specimens came to be preserved in this way needs to
be forthcoming.